Saroya Strong: Inspiring women to overcome struggles
It was not an easy road to success for hockey player Saroya Tinker. On April 28, Tinker joined Upper School students and staff to share her experience and the hurdles she has overcome, leading her to where she is now. Growing up in Oshawa, Tinker began her athletic journey with gymnastics and dance but eventually […]
Phil Stamper: Fixing the world one novel at a time
“Headphones on, I fix myself, so I can go back to fixing the world.” A sentiment echoed by the best-selling author Phil Stamper. Mainstream literature is catered mainly for cis-gendered and straight audiences, but Stamper is “fixing the world” of publication. He is accomplishing this by creating inclusive Young Adult novels, bridging the gap of […]
Our Values Will See Us Through
As news of COVID-19 began to unfold earlier this month, I thought to myself, “Well, this is a first.” Nowhere in any Head of School handbook that I’ve read was there a chapter entitled “Managing A Global Pandemic.” So I’m sure you’ll understand when I say that I’m writing this chapter as I go. Last […]
Five Things Tennis Taught Me
I’m what you might call a vicarious athlete. I like to think that description sounds slightly better than “armchair athlete,” but it’s basically the same thing. While I try to stay fit and healthy, I’m not skilled in any particular sport so I compete vicariously through the prowess of others. In other words, I love […]
The Things That Surround Us
The beauty and the pageantry of Trafalgar Castle School’s 112th May Court Festival was on full display last Saturday with flags, banners, and the traditional May Pole dance. And then there was the goat. Yes, the goat. And the llama, sheep, ducks, and donkey. But in my mind, May Court 2019 will forever be known […]
Please Cut the Cord
The phone rang at 11:30 p.m. I’m not exactly sure how my daughter, who was nine at the time, snuck out of the cabin, past the supposedly watchful eye of the camp counsellor. Who knew she had the wherewithal to make a collect call. But there she was, standing at a payphone, tearful, homesick, and […]
Miigwetch
With dignity, a quiet voice, and shaking hands, Mary Kelly shared her story in Chapel. It was a story of immeasurable trauma and lasting scars. It was a story of loss and suffering. But it was also a story of truth and reconciliation. Mary Kelly is from the Ojibways of Onigaming. She is a citizen […]
Grit and Grace
We had a good giggle in Chapel last week, watching a video of the Czech Olympic skier Ester Ledecka’s gold medal-winning race. The look of absolute incredulity and mild confusion on her face when she saw her winning time appear on the clock was something to behold. No one was more shocked by her victory […]
Unconquered
Invictus. Latin for “unconquered.” Its meaning was on full display this weekend in Toronto as the 2017 Invictus were opened by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales. Amidst the splendor of the ceremony came a procession of heroes –men and women from countries around the world, each having made great sacrifice in the service […]